The Omaha Beef will give former Husker quarterback Brion Carnes something Bo Pelini never did – the chance to be the starting quarterback.

Friday night at Ralston Arena, the former four-star recruit from the same Bradenton, FL high school (Manatee) that produced Husker legend Tommie Frazier, will get his first start in the CIF league at the helm of the Omaha Beef offense.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Carnes was ranked as the #7 dual threat quarterback by Rivals.com out of high school. He appeared in three games at Nebraska in 2011 as the backup to Taylor Martinez before switching to wide receiver in September. He appeared in no games in 2012.

He got his first start at quarterback for UNI in 2013 against ninth-ranked (FCS) Youngstown State and made the most of his opportunity, completing 18 of 30 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns while running for 65 yards in sparking the Panthers to a 22-20 upset victory, over the program that is now guided by former Husker coach Pelini.

Carnes was a versatile player for the Panthers, seeing time at running back, quarterback and returning punts and kickoffs. He racked up 226 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to finish second on the team in rushing yards. As quarterback, he finished the season 41-of-80 for 438 yards and two touchdowns.

“It was frustrating not being able to play at Nebraska,” Carnes said. “I wanted to give spring ball one last chance, but when I saw things weren’t going to change I decided it was best for me to leave and find a place where I had an opportunity to get on the field.

“I talked to Tommie and he told me to follow my heart. He felt it was kind of a good idea to leave. But I have no regrets about going to Nebraska.”

The Beef are finally giving Carnes the opportunity to be a starting quarterback in Nebraska. Come out and watch him versus the Dodge City Law this Friday at 7 p.m.